​​Eco​Yogadventures

Contact Info:

Sarah Brenes (847)431-8945   ecoyogadventures@gmail.com

Chenoa Lorenzo (847)772-9204  info@silverlotusonline.com

Please note that between Sep 12-28 Chenoa will be on vacation, so please try contacting the Sarah.  

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 Retreat Cost:  $2500

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How and when do I have to register for the retreat?

We are accepting registrations now.  Your deposit of $250 reserves your space.  

You may pay for the retreat with credit card, cash, or check.

Online registration and secure payment is available by clicking HERE

For security reasons, you can only pay online from a desktop or laptop device.  You cannot access the payment site via phone, tablet, or other mobile device.

You can either contact Sarah or Chenoa to arrange delivery of payment with cash or check, or bring it to class.

If you would like to use a credit card, a 2% usage will be added to your payment.  

 

Can I divide the cost in payments?

A 10% deposit ($250, non-refundable) will hold your space in the retreat and your guaranteed spot will be a first come, first served basis.  

A payment of 40% ($1000) of the retreat cost is due October 1

Remaining balance (50%, $1250) is due November 1

 

What is included in the cost?

 

The retreat includes:

 

Transportation: air fare from and back to Chicago O'Hare, and private bus transportation when in Costa Rica with a professional Costa Rican driver

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UPDATE:  Flight Itinerary as follows:

Flight       Date        Departs                        Arrives

AV409    12/27        Chicago 2:35pm         El Salvador 7:15pm  (1hr layover)

AV627     12/27       El Salvador 8:10pm    SJO Costa RIca 9:30pm

AV638      1/4          Costa Rica 5:47am      El Salvador 7:10am (50 min layover)

AV408      1/4          El Salvador 8am           Chicago 12:40pm

 

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Accommodations: boutique hotel in San Jose the day you arrived to San Jose and the night before your return to the states, and 5 nights in a beach front private villa in Puerto Viejo 

 

Up to 3 hours of daily Yoga

 

Meals prepared as a group

 

Entry costs to all excursions, including guided tours or park entrance fees

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What is not included in the cost?

 

The cost does not include:

 

·         Meals in San Jose or when not prepared as a group

 

·         Tax when entering or leaving the country

 

·         Additional tours (what you do with free time)

 

·         Tips or gratitude to guides or driver     

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Are we flying as a group?

Yes.  We will be flying out of, and back to, O'Hare airport in Chicago, IL

 

Which airport are we flying into?

 

Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).

 

Do I need a Passport?

 

Yes, citizens of the U.S. and Canada may enter Costa Rica with a valid passport. Note that Costa Rican law requires a valid passport that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival. You must also have a roundtrip/outbound ticket. Citizens of other countries should check with the applicable Costa Rican Consulate in your country about rules governing entrance into Costa Rica. Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican Immigration may deny entry if a passport is damaged in any way. For more info visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

 

Do I need a visa?

 

No, Costa Rican authorities generally permit U.S. citizen tourists to stay up to ninety (90) days without a visa. For more information in requirements and travel advisories visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

 

Do I need immunizations?

 

Immunizations are not required as diseases like malaria or dengue are rare in Costa Rica. However, if you feel the need you may want to acquire a travelers medical insurance, for more info visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html

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Can I bring electronics, what kind of electricity is there in Costa Rica?

 

Costa Rica runs on 110 Volts, 60Hz (same as the U.S. and Canada) and the outlets are the same as in the U.S.

 

Do I need to exchange money as soon as I get to San Jose?

 

Exchange rate (approx. 500 colones/USD) sometimes varies depending where you exchange your money (lower at the airport), so unless you really need to buy something in San Jose the night you arrived; don’t exchange money at the airport. The next day in our way to the coast we will stop at a bank where you can exchange colones.  

 

Can I use credit/debit cards?

 

Credit and debit cards will work normally in Costa Rica; however you MUST call your credit card company/bank and let them know you will be using the card outside the US, if you fail to do this, the bank most likely block your card as soon as you try to use it in Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo is a very touristy place, so most places will accept all major credit cards.  

 

Is there Internet access? Can I use my cell phone?

 

Telecommunications in Costa Rica are state owned, so the frequencies are different and your phone might not work. However, some companies offer an international package that will allow you to use your phone. Hence, call before leaving and inquire with your phone company if they offer this service. The houses where we will stay do not have WiFi that we are aware of, but there are internet cafés or cybercafés in town.  

 

How can my family reach me in case of an emergency?

 

We will have a Costa Rican cellphone with us when in the house and during the adventures, in case of an emergency they we will be able to contact you on this number.

 

Are the meals In San Jose covered?

 

No, when in San Jose (the first and last night) you will be responsible of your own meals, the first night in San Jose we will have a mixer with some drinks and small hors d’oeuvres.  However, the hotel has a morning breakfast so that will be covered.  

 

I forgot my toiletries, can I buy new ones?   

 

On our way to the coast we will stop where you will be able to go to the store to purchase any necessary items.

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How do we get to/from Puerto Viejo?

 

We will be traveling in a private bus with a Costa Rican driver, the morning after we stay outside of San Jose we will pick you up at the hotel and at the end of the time on the coast the bus will take you back to the hotel.    

 

What if I can't arrive or depart by the scheduled time?

 

If you can't arrive at the scheduled time for departure to the Puerto Viejo we will need to find somebody to pick you up at the airport and take you to the bus station, we will pick you up  in Puerto Viejo and take you to the house. The cost of the bus will be your responsibility.

 

What is the weather like?

 

Weather in Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is normally warm and humid. It is normal to get some showers in the early afternoon which increases the humidity and heat index. June is normally sunny and pleasant with temperatures ranging between 70-81F and (24-30 C).

 

Will they be vegetarian options?

 

We will be cooking our own food, and we will try to accommodate to the group needs and preferences, but if you have a special diet I’m sure we will find a way.

 

Can I choose my roommate?

 

Rooms will be shared by two or three people, so when possible you will be able to choose your roommate.

 

What type of yoga classes will be offered?

 

Yoga will be mixed level.  Sarah and Chenoa can adjust and accommodate to your level, providing the support you need to feel free in your body and have an enjoyable experience.  We will most likely practice once in the morning and once in the afternoon.  We will vary from partner yoga, therapeutic yoga, hatha and vinyasa flow, Thai yoga and restorative. 

 

My partner/spouse wants to attend, but isn’t really into yoga.  Can they still come?

 

Absolutely.  To practice yoga is an invitation that you can accept or decline at any time.  On our last retreat, however, we had a lot of people’s partners breaking the ice in yoga and had a really fun experience!  We have also had one couple get engaged at the retreat!

 

 

Departure Tax

 

There is a departure tax of approximately $30 when you leave Costa Rica that will be collected at the airport before you check in at the ticket counter. Go through the line and then fill out the form they give you before going to the ticket counter. The tax needs to be paid in cash (US currency or Costa Rican Colones) or with a credit card on your departure day.

 

For more information about Costa Rica please visit Travel advisory page of the US department of State at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html#aviation_safety